Coffman Cove, Alaska
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Incorporated: 1989
Population: 199
City Hall: 907-329-2233
Scenic Coffman Cove is located on the northeast coast of Prince of Wales Island. Nothing but beauty surrounds this peaceful little town snuggled into a small cove off Clarence Strait on the Inside Passage.
Coffman Cove and nearby Coffman Island were named in 1886 after U.S. Navy Officer Lt. Dewitt Coffman, who served aboard the survey vessel "Petterson."
Founded as a logging community in the early 1950's, Pat and Ruth LeMay were the first loggers here, followed by many others. Ketchikan Pulp Co. was the largest employer until the year 2000, when they wound down their operations and a historic way of life came to an end. For all of us that call Coffman Cove home, we are facing a different way of life. We are diversifying and finding new ways to make a living. Many people have started cottage industries, and many have chosen tourism. We have several small retail service based businesses for supplies. Some have limited hours. Residents believe that Coffman Cove has a future as a thriving, strong and healthy place for residents to raise their families.
Coffman Cove is accessible by car, boat, or float plane. The road to Coffman Cove, off the North Island Road is about a 20 mile drive. On the Coffman road you will cross Log Jam Creek which is a great place to go fishing for Silver Salmon, Dollys or Trout. The next creek is Hatchery Creek. The Hatchery Creek bridge is the trailhead for the 30-mile Honker Divide Canoe Route. This is another place to take out your favorite fishing pole and try for Sockeye, rainbow, and Dolly's. Next, Sweetwater Lake is a beautiful spot to go fishing or a favorite swimming hole in the summer.
There are no shopping malls, banks, traffic lights or all the "inconveniences" of big city life. We do have the best of all worlds here, with a community that pulls together, friendly spirit and a very peaceful way of life. The community is surrounded by majestic mountains, creeks and rivers. It is an artist's dream world, whether it be with a camera or the brush and canvas, a perfect picture is around every corner.
Written by Barbara Sinclair
